senate
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senate
In states with a bicameral system, the first or upper chamber of parliament, as for example in the USA or France.
Der Gesetzentwurf muss noch vom Senat verabschiedet werden.
The bill still has to be passed by the Senate.
The exact meaning of 'Senat' (senate) depends heavily on the context. Pay attention to whether the discussion is about international politics (e.g. the USA), German city-states (Berlin, Hamburg), universities, or courts in order to understand which body is meant.
Der US-Senat muss dem neuen Gesetz noch zustimmen.
The U.S. Senate still has to approve the new law.
In the German federal states of Berlin, Hamburg, and Bremen, 'der Senat' (the senate) is the official term for the state government. This use is specific to these three city-states.
Der Senat von Berlin hat ein neues Verkehrskonzept vorgestellt.
The Berlin Senate presented a new transport plan.
In the context of universities, the 'akademische Senat' (academic senate) is a central body of self-governance. It decides, for example, on examination regulations or the establishment of new subjects.
Die Professoren wurden in den akademischen Senat gewählt.
The professors were elected to the academic senate.
At German higher courts, a 'Senat' (judicial panel) is a division consisting of several judges and responsible for specific areas of law. This judicial panel then delivers the judgments.
Der zuständige Senat am Bundesverwaltungsgericht hat die Klage abgewiesen.
The responsible panel at the Federal Administrative Court dismissed the lawsuit.
parliament
'das Parlament' and 'der Senat' can both have to do with politics and decisions, but they are not simply the same thing. 'Parlament' is the elected assembly that passes laws. In some countries, 'Senat' can be a chamber of a parliament, for example the upper chamber. In Berlin, Hamburg, and Bremen, however, 'Senat' means the state government. There is also a senate at universities or in courts. Learners may confuse the words because both sound official and political. The context is important: for a legislative representative assembly, you say 'Parlament'. 'Senat' is the correct name only in specific systems or areas.
Der Senat von Berlin hat neue Regeln für den Verkehr beschlossen.
The Berlin Senate has adopted new rules for traffic.
Das Parlament beschließt ein Gesetz gegen hohe Mieten.
The parliament passes a law against high rents.